B.A. Music and English Literature, Oberlin College, 1962
M.A. Comparative Literature, New York University, 1965
Ph.D. Family Psychology, California Graduate School of Family Psychology, 1986

Dr. Ariel is a family psychologist whose clinical work focuses on both systemic and psychodynamic theory, with a particular interest in the interface between the two. Also influenced by feminist and postmodern thought, her therapeutic work explores the influence of the social and cultural contexts shaping experiences. She searches with families and individuals for new meanings in the stories of their lives that enable them to articulate their own strengths and authentic voices.

Before receiving her doctorate, Dr. Ariel spent many years in Israel, where she served as executive director for the Research Institute for Innovation in Education. Her research at the Institute led her to study the psychological, familial, and educational influences that contribute to the gap between Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews. Upon her return to America, Dr. Ariel supervised interns at the California Graduate School of Family Psychology, John F. Kennedy University, and the Psychotherapy Institute. Dr. Ariel has taught family therapy and group process at John F. Kennedy University for almost ten years. She also teaches group process at the Women's Therapy Center and consults around issues of multiculturalism and the development of a family therapy program.

Dr. Ariel is an active member of a number of professional organizations, including the Northern California Family Therapist Association, the California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, the California Association of Marital and Family Therapists, and the American Family Therapy Academy. She is also a consultant at Visions, a national organization dedicated to training in multiculturalism.

In private practice, Dr. Ariel sees families, couples and individuals, and runs a therapy group for women and a consultation group for practicing psychotherapists. She also does mediation work, in particular concerning the effects of oppression in the workplace, for small businesses, agencies and organizations.